Nanosheet antibody mimics based label-free and dual-readout lateral flow immunoassay for Salmonella enteritidis rapid detection

Portable devices for on-site foodborne pathogens detection are urgently desirable. Lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) provides an efficient strategy for pathogens detection, however, antibody labeling independence and detection reliability, are still challenging. Here, we report the development of a label-free LFIA with dual-readout using glucan-functionalized two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) tungsten disulfide (WS2) as detection probes for sensitive detection of Salmonella enteritidis (S. enteritidis). In particular, glucan-functionalized WS2, synthesized via liquid exfoliation, are reliable detection antibody candidates which served as antibody mimics for bacteria capturing. This LFIA has not only eliminated the intricate antibody labeling process and screening of paired antibodies in conventional LFIAs, but also promised dual-readout (colorimetric/Raman) for flexible detection. Under optimized conditions, this LFIA achieves selective detection of S. enteritidis with a low visual detection limit of 103 CFU/mL and a broad linear range of 103−108 CFU/mL. Additionally, the LFIA could be successfully applied in drinking water and milk with recoveries of 85%–109%. This work is desirable to expand the application of 2D TMDs in biosensors and offers a brand-new alternative protocol of detection antibodies in foodborne pathogens detection.